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US6422541B1 - Bicycle cushion device - Google Patents

Bicycle cushion device Download PDF

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Publication number
US6422541B1
US6422541B1 US09/803,558 US80355801A US6422541B1 US 6422541 B1 US6422541 B1 US 6422541B1 US 80355801 A US80355801 A US 80355801A US 6422541 B1 US6422541 B1 US 6422541B1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
bicycle
casing
bladder
cushion device
bracket
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/803,558
Inventor
Zhen-Ling Yang
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Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
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Publication date
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Priority to US09/803,558 priority Critical patent/US6422541B1/en
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Publication of US6422541B1 publication Critical patent/US6422541B1/en
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Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16FSPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/32Details
    • F16F9/43Filling or drainage arrangements, e.g. for supply of gas
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62KCYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K25/00Axle suspensions
    • B62K25/04Axle suspensions for mounting axles resiliently on cycle frame or fork
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16FSPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/02Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum
    • F16F9/04Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall
    • F16F9/0436Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium using gas only or vacuum in a chamber with a flexible wall characterised by being contained in a generally closed space
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16FSPRINGS; SHOCK-ABSORBERS; MEANS FOR DAMPING VIBRATION
    • F16F9/00Springs, vibration-dampers, shock-absorbers, or similarly-constructed movement-dampers using a fluid or the equivalent as damping medium
    • F16F9/32Details
    • F16F9/3207Constructional features

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a bicycle cushion device that has a bladder with a valve connected to a bicycle frame and a casing is movably connected to the bicycle frame and encloses the bladder.
  • a conventional bicycle cushion device generally includes a spring made of metal and one end of the spring is fixedly connected to a bicycle frame and the other end of the spring is connected to a bracket which encloses the spring.
  • the present invention intends to provide an air cushion device that employs a bladder with a valve so that the pressure in the bladder can be adjusted according to needs.
  • a bicycle cushion device comprising a bracket connected to a bicycle frame and a bladder connected to the bracket.
  • a casing is mounted to the bladder and an opening is defined in a top of the casing so that a valve of the bladder extends through the opening.
  • the casing has two slots defined therethrough and two limit members extend through the slots and are fixedly connected to the bicycle frame.
  • the primary object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle cushion device having simple structure and the cushion level can be adjusted by changing pressure in the bladder.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view to show the bicycle cushion device of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a side view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is used as a rear wheel cushion device;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view to show how the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is connected to the bicycle frame;
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is operated to absorb shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame, and
  • FIG. 5 is a front view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is used as a front wheel cushion device.
  • the bicycle cushion device of the present invention comprises a bracket 23 which has two insertions 231 which are connected to an engaging member 300 connected to an end of a seat stay 30 .
  • a bladder 20 is connected to the bracket 23 and a casing 10 is mounted to the bladder 20 to position the bladder 20 between the bracket 23 and the casing 10 .
  • An opening 13 is defined in a top of the casing 10 and a valve 21 connected to the bladder 20 extends through the opening 13 .
  • the casing 10 has two slots 11 defined therethrough and two limit members 34 extend through the slots 11 and are fixedly connected to the seat stay 30 .
  • connection members 121 extend from the casing 10 and are fixedly connected to the seat tube 301 .
  • the chain stays 31 are pivotally connected to the bottom bracket of the bicycle. Further referring to FIG. 4, when the bicycle is ridden over a rugged road, the rear wheel 33 is pivoted about the pivot point of the chain stays and the bottom bracket, and the connection members 34 are moved upward in the two slots 11 and the bladder 20 is compressed between the casing 10 and the upward moving bracket 23 . By the deformation of the bladder 20 , the shocks are absorbed and do not transmitted to the bicycle frame and the rider.
  • the bicycle cushion device may also be used as front wheel cushion device.
  • the casing 10 is connected to each one of two legs 320 of the front fork 32 and each of the bladders in the cushion devices is supported on an extension member 35 which is connected to each end of the front hub 400 . Therefore, when shocks are transmitted to the front wheel 40 , the front hub 400 is moved upward and compresses the bladders in the cushion devices.
  • the pressure in the bladder 20 can be adjusted by pumping the bladder 20 via the valve 21 so as to adjust the level of cushion function according the road conditions.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Axle Suspensions And Sidecars For Cycles (AREA)

Abstract

A bicycle cushion device includes a bracket connected to a bicycle frame which is a movable frame. A bladder is connected to the bracket and a casing is mounted to the bladder and movable connected to the bicycle frame. An opening is defined in a top of the casing and a valve of the bladder extends through the opening. The movable frame moves into the casing and compresses the bladder to absorb the shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a bicycle cushion device that has a bladder with a valve connected to a bicycle frame and a casing is movably connected to the bicycle frame and encloses the bladder.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A conventional bicycle cushion device generally includes a spring made of metal and one end of the spring is fixedly connected to a bicycle frame and the other end of the spring is connected to a bracket which encloses the spring. When the bicycle is ridden on a rugged road and an upward force is applied to the rear wheel, for example, the seat stays together with the rear wheel are moved upward to compress the spring to absorb the shock, and the rider will not feel too much shock by the operation of the cushion device. However, the metal made spring is heavy in weight which is not welcomed by the riders. Besides, the force of the spring cannot be adjusted according to the road conditions.
The present invention intends to provide an air cushion device that employs a bladder with a valve so that the pressure in the bladder can be adjusted according to needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bicycle cushion device and comprising a bracket connected to a bicycle frame and a bladder connected to the bracket. A casing is mounted to the bladder and an opening is defined in a top of the casing so that a valve of the bladder extends through the opening. The casing has two slots defined therethrough and two limit members extend through the slots and are fixedly connected to the bicycle frame.
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle cushion device having simple structure and the cushion level can be adjusted by changing pressure in the bladder.
These and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings which show, for purposes of illustration only, several embodiments in accordance with the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a cross sectional view to show the bicycle cushion device of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is used as a rear wheel cushion device;
FIG. 3 is a side view to show how the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is connected to the bicycle frame;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is operated to absorb shocks transmitted to the bicycle frame, and
FIG. 5 is a front view to show that the bicycle cushion device of the present invention is used as a front wheel cushion device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THEE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the bicycle cushion device of the present invention comprises a bracket 23 which has two insertions 231 which are connected to an engaging member 300 connected to an end of a seat stay 30. A bladder 20 is connected to the bracket 23 and a casing 10 is mounted to the bladder 20 to position the bladder 20 between the bracket 23 and the casing 10. An opening 13 is defined in a top of the casing 10 and a valve 21 connected to the bladder 20 extends through the opening 13. The casing 10 has two slots 11 defined therethrough and two limit members 34 extend through the slots 11 and are fixedly connected to the seat stay 30.
Two connection members 121 extend from the casing 10 and are fixedly connected to the seat tube 301. The chain stays 31 are pivotally connected to the bottom bracket of the bicycle. Further referring to FIG. 4, when the bicycle is ridden over a rugged road, the rear wheel 33 is pivoted about the pivot point of the chain stays and the bottom bracket, and the connection members 34 are moved upward in the two slots 11 and the bladder 20 is compressed between the casing 10 and the upward moving bracket 23. By the deformation of the bladder 20, the shocks are absorbed and do not transmitted to the bicycle frame and the rider.
As shown in FIG. 5, the bicycle cushion device may also be used as front wheel cushion device. The casing 10 is connected to each one of two legs 320 of the front fork 32 and each of the bladders in the cushion devices is supported on an extension member 35 which is connected to each end of the front hub 400. Therefore, when shocks are transmitted to the front wheel 40, the front hub 400 is moved upward and compresses the bladders in the cushion devices.
The pressure in the bladder 20 can be adjusted by pumping the bladder 20 via the valve 21 so as to adjust the level of cushion function according the road conditions.
While we have shown and described various embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (2)

What is claimed is:
1. A bicycle cushion device comprising:
a bracket adapted to be connected to a bicycle frame and an air bladder connected to said bracket, said air bladder received in a casing which has an open bottom so as to be adapted to receive the bicycle frame from the open bottom, an opening defined in a top of said casing, a valve connected to said air bladder and extending through said opening, two slots defined longitudinally through a wall of the casing and located close to said open bottom of the casing, two limit members movably extending through said slots and adapted to be fixedly connected to the bicycle frame.
2. The bicycle cushion device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the bracket has two insertions which are adapted to be connected to the bicycle frame.
US09/803,558 2001-03-12 2001-03-12 Bicycle cushion device Expired - Fee Related US6422541B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/803,558 US6422541B1 (en) 2001-03-12 2001-03-12 Bicycle cushion device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/803,558 US6422541B1 (en) 2001-03-12 2001-03-12 Bicycle cushion device

Publications (1)

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US6422541B1 true US6422541B1 (en) 2002-07-23

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US09/803,558 Expired - Fee Related US6422541B1 (en) 2001-03-12 2001-03-12 Bicycle cushion device

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080265477A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-30 Nike, Inc. System For Moderating Forces
DE102014221989A1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2016-05-04 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Support structure for a vehicle and vehicle with support structure

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3459441A (en) * 1967-06-05 1969-08-05 Guyton Ellis Hornsby Air cushion shock absorber for bicycles,motorcycles and similar vehicles
US3599956A (en) * 1969-08-22 1971-08-17 Coach & Car Equip Corp Fluid cushioning assembly
DE2900780A1 (en) * 1979-01-10 1980-07-24 Joseph Doblhoff Folding bicycle with telescopic air spring - has spring supporting saddle and handlebar with valve to connect spaces on either side of spring piston
DE29706640U1 (en) * 1997-04-14 1997-07-17 Jedek, Walter, 72793 Pfullingen Air cushion

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3459441A (en) * 1967-06-05 1969-08-05 Guyton Ellis Hornsby Air cushion shock absorber for bicycles,motorcycles and similar vehicles
US3599956A (en) * 1969-08-22 1971-08-17 Coach & Car Equip Corp Fluid cushioning assembly
DE2900780A1 (en) * 1979-01-10 1980-07-24 Joseph Doblhoff Folding bicycle with telescopic air spring - has spring supporting saddle and handlebar with valve to connect spaces on either side of spring piston
DE29706640U1 (en) * 1997-04-14 1997-07-17 Jedek, Walter, 72793 Pfullingen Air cushion

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20080265477A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-10-30 Nike, Inc. System For Moderating Forces
WO2008134129A1 (en) * 2007-04-26 2008-11-06 Nike, Inc. System for moderating forces
US8366081B2 (en) 2007-04-26 2013-02-05 Nike, Inc. System for moderating forces
DE102014221989A1 (en) * 2014-10-29 2016-05-04 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Support structure for a vehicle and vehicle with support structure

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